10 destinations near the Rally Finland special stages
Secto Rally Finland offers a unique opportunity to see and experience the local attractions in the Jyväskylä Region. There are hundreds of interesting destinations by the over a thousand kilometers long rally route, so there is surely something interesting to find for every taste. There probably isn’t enough time to see all of them, but check at least these 10 destinations near the rally special stages.
1. Experiental Lutakko harbour and the legendary Harju
As usual, the Paviljonki area in Lutakko harbour is the official headquarters of Secto Rally Finland and the rally kicks off there with a Ceremonial Start on Wednesday! Finland’s most experiental harbour offers summery Lakeland landscapes, sauna rafts cruising at Lake Jyväsjärvi and the trendy sauna restaurant Sataman Viilu.
In summer, you can also hop on a cruise from Lutakko Harbour and take in the stunning scenery of Lake Päijänne, the longest and deepest lake in Finland. With Päijänne-Risteilyt Hilden, you can visit destinations such as Säynätsalo and Mämminiemi on summer Thursdays.
On Thursday, the competition traditionally begins with the Harju SS1, and the rally returns to these scenic surroundings again on Friday when SS10 Harju 2 takes over the jogging trails popular with locals. Harju Ridge, crowned by its observation tower, is one of Jyväskylä’s most iconic landmarks. The area is well worth a visit outside the special stages as well: snap a photo of the famous Nero’s Stairs, enjoy dinner at Café & Restaurant Vesilinna, or explore the Natural History Museum. The observation tower is open for visitors during the opening hours of the restaurant and the museum.
Distance: At these destinations you are already on the rally route!
2. Relaxing Spa Hotel Peurunka and rock art older than the Egyptian pyramids
On Friday, two familiar stages will be raced in Laukaa: SS 2 Laukaa 1 and SS 6 Laukaa 2. Known for its exciting activities and diverse accommodation options, Spa Hotel Peurunka makes the rally day even more experiential. Dive into the spa’s bubbles after an exciting rally day and enjoy the culinary delights offered by the restaurant services.
Another place worth visiting in Laukaa is the Saraakallio rock paintings, which you can admire on a guided six-kilometer canoeing trip. This historically significant site can only be seen by water, as the 40-meter-high rock wall is located in a nature reserve on private land. However, the journey to the paintings is well worth the effort, as awaiting there are rock paintings older than the pyramids of Egypt.
Distance: Peurunka deviates from the rally route by about 15 minutes. The canoeing trip to the Saraakallio rock paintings takes about three hours from the rally route.
3. Historical Suolahti Old Station & Äänemäki lookout tower
In Äänekoski, Friday’s stages include the familiar Saarikas SS3 and SS7 from last year. From Saarikas, it’s easy to make a short detour to the charming Suolahti Old Station and admire the scenery from the Äänemäki lookout tower.
Suolahti Old Station illustrates the late 1800s effort to connect inland waters by railway to the Finland’s coastal seas and thus to Europe. At the old station, visitors can explore the station building designed by Architect Bruno Granholm, as well as the accompanying railway yard, warehouses, locomotive sheds, and railway workers’ residences. The buildings were completed when operations began in 1898. The Keitele Museum on the premises offers insights into steam and flat-cap trains and the history of railways.
The rugged lake landscapes of the Jyväskylä Region can be admired from the Äänemäki lookout tower, which offers sweeping views all the way to Lake Keitele and the centre of Äänekoski.
Distance: Suolahti is about a 15-minute drive from the Saarikas special stage. The journey from the Suolahti Old Station to the Äänemäki lookout tower also takes approximately 15 minutes.
4. Breathtaking views from the Häähninmäki lookout tower
In addition to thrilling rally moments, Rally Friday also offers breathtaking scenery as rally fans travel from the Sydänmaa SS4 to the Hoho SS5. Along the route in Hankasalmi, you’ll find the Häähninmäki lookout tower and scenic hiking trails.
The gorgeous lookout tower was built in 2020 and it provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The lookout tower itself is a sight worth to be pictured and if you have the time you should climb up to admire the views. At the top of the Häähninmäki lookout tower, a charming cabin provides a fine example of the unique accommodation available in the Jyväskylä Region. Along the hiking trails, you’ll also find the Häähnintupa wilderness hut, an ideal spot to rest and enjoy a meal break.
Distance: The Häähninmäki lookout tower is located approximately 1.5 kilometres from the rally route. Take Säkinmäentie to Purtomäentie and then to Läheahontie and you will reach the parking area.
5. Comfort zone of the Revontuli Lakeland Village
On Friday evening, the Sydänmaa and Hoho special stages (SS8 & SS9) will be run again, giving you the opportunity to explore the services of Revontuli Lakeland Village along the route – or even stay overnight!
Revontuli Lakeland Village is a year-round holiday destination in Hankasalmi. Guests staying at Revontuli can enjoy luxurious glass igloos and cosy holiday cottages. In addition to accommodation, the resort offers golf, relaxing experiences in the sauna world, and bowling. Also located along the route is Grill Room Hankasalmi, voted Finland’s best burger restaurant in each of the past two years.
Distance: Revontuli Lakeland Village and Grill Room Hankasalmi are located along the rally route, on the road E63.
6. Lively Korpilahti Harbour
In Korpilahti, two familiar stages will be run on Saturday: SS11 and SS15 in Parkkola, and SS14 and SS18 in Leustu. Between the two runs of Parkkola and Leustu, there’s an excellent opportunity to visit Korpilahti Harbour, voted the best guest marina in the Lakeland Finland.
At the Korpilahti harbor, located on the shores of Lake Päijänne, you can find the locally loved Restaurant Satamakapteeni and for art lovers, Höyry-Galleria (Steam Gallery).
Distance: Stopping by the Korpilahti Harbour only adds 5 minutes to the journey!
7. Charming Haanpää’s summer café
On Saturday, the special stages will also be run in Päijälä (SS12 & SS16) and Västilä (SS13 & SS17). So, when travelling from Korpilahti to Jämsä, you can take a relaxing coffee break at the charming Haanpää’s Summer Café.
Enjoy a cup of coffee with delicious pastries and meet the adorable residents of Haanpää’s animal yard in between the high-speed excitement of the special stages.
Distance: Haanpää’s summer café is located on the rally route, along road E63.
8. Alvar Aalto’s meaningful Säynätsalo Town Hall
On the way back to Jyväskylä from the Saturday special stage, it’s easy to make a stop at up to two sites designed by Alvar Aalto: Säynätsalo Town Hall and Muurame Church.
At the café in Säynätsalo Town Hall, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a freshly baked cinnamon roll. You can also join a guided tour or, if you wish, stay overnight at Säynätsalo Town Hall. In Jyväskylä you’ll find the largest number of masterful buildings in the whole world designed by Alvar Aalto, so an architecture fan will surely find a lot to see in the Jyväskylä Region!
Distance: A short detour from E63 to road 6090 leading to Säynätsalo Town Hall adds less than 10 minutes to the rally route.
9. Himos-Jämsä full of adventures
On Sunday, the rally’s grand finale takes place in Jämsä, as the Himos–Jämsä special stages (SS19 and SS20) are run twice to conclude the rally weekend. Located in the immediate vicinity of the final stage, the Himos-Jämsä offers rally visitors both accommodation and a wide range of activities throughout the weekend.
At Himos, you can go hiking and cycling, enjoy canoeing and SUP-boarding, or play a round of golf on a full-length 18-hole course. And of course, the evening culminates in a lively celebration at the Himos Arena!
Distance: Himos is located on the rally route along the E63 road.
10. A genuine sauna experience at the Sauna Village
While in Jämsä, it’s also worth visiting Finland’s only Sauna Village, located just a five-minute drive from Himos.
Sauna Village is a journey into the centuries-old history of the Finnish sauna and offers an authentic sauna experience. Sauna Village features over 20 historic smoke saunas. On summer Saturdays, there are public sauna sessions, when everyone is welcome to step in and enjoy the steam.
Did you know that the Jyväskylä Region is the Sauna Region of the World? It’s worth checking out the other sauna treasures in the area too!
Distance: This unique sauna destination adds only a few minutes of driving to the rally route
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